Ambon is the most prominent island of the Maluku Archipelago in Indonesia, comprising of two parts joined with one narrow stretch of land. Ambon is known for its traditional mountain and coastal villages, beautiful white-sand beaches and idyllic surrounding islets. The island is home to Ambon city, which serves as the capital of Maluku Province, and features colonial architecture, cultural and historical sites, Portuguese and Dutch fortresses, as well as several mosques, churches, and temples. Don’t miss the village of Waai, famed for its population of eels that live in crystal-clear rock pools and are believed to be sacred. Visitors can look forward to many outdoor activities including snorkelling and diving on the beautiful Latuhalat and Liang beaches.
Situated off the southwestern corner of Saparua, Nusa Laut is the smallest inhabited island in the Lease group and offers a unique glimpse into authentic island living. Laid-back and unapologetically rural, this peaceful island eschews commercialism and is scarcely populated with accommodations or restaurants. Explore Beverwyk Fort, a 17th-century Dutch fort, or take in the history surrounding the anti-colonial heroine Martha Christina Tiahahu at Abubu village. Dip your feet in the shallow natural hot springs at Sila that must be experienced only at low tide - though beware; high tide can submerge them. For something more adventurous, Batu Pintu rock leads to several caves once used by the Dutch Baron as a hideaway when the Japanese invaded in WWII. For unforgettable snorkelling experiences, head over to the coast of Ameth for its spectacular reefs, often regarded as one of the best dive spots in the Lease Islands.
Maluku (otherwise known as the Moluccas) is an archipelago of tropical islands that rose to global fame as a centre of spice agriculture in the 16th century, when its yields of cloves and nutmeg were invaluable bartering commodities. When the region’s spice production was overtaken by larger global producers in the 1900s, it faded largely into international oblivion - but since then it has slowly started creeping back onto the itineraries of intrepid travellers due to its exceptional natural charms - endless stretches of pristine sand beach, flourishing coral reefs,and rugged volcanic peaks - and its historical architecture.
Seemingly floating in the Gorom Islands of Indonesia, within the breathtaking Sunda Banda Seascape, the tiny and unusual uninhabited landmass of Pulau Koon is an other-worldly sight. A tiny head of green sits atop a vast encircling sandbank just underwater, which plunges into clean blue depths. The dive sites around the island are the real treasure here - filled with a lively and dazzling array of bright corals, fish, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea snakes, and more. The volcanic sites provide a spawning ground for such a variety of fish that this area is nicknamed ‘fish kitchen’. This Marine Protected area is ecologically important and programs are currently being developed by several organisations such as the WWF to further its care. History enthusiasts will be interested to know that the island was crucial in defense against Dutch colonialists.
Dotting the Ceram Sea in West Papua in Indonesia, Misool Island is one of four major islands making up the Raja Ampat Archipelago. This remote tropical hideaway is a world-renowned diving destination featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters boasting spectacular marine diversity in a multicoloured underwater wonderland. Visitors can look forward to spotting an array of tropical marine life; viewing magnificent coral gardens, which are said to be home to over 75 per cent of the world’s known coral species and exotic fish species; as well as exploring the island’s densely forested landscapes and lush mangrove swamps. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Misool’s hidden white-sand beaches lined by picture-perfect swaying coconut palms. Other popular activities include: whale watching, hiking, snorkelling and viewing ancient cultural sites featuring petroglyph-covered walls which date back thousands of years.
The largest of the Raja Ampat archipelago, dubbed the "Four Kings", Waigeo is the most accessible island to reach by public transport and the best starting point to the beautiful Raja Ampat Islands. Spectacular seascapes walled in by towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, rushing rivers, perfect white-sand beaches, and an untamed jungle interior are what entice visitors to this exuberant tropical paradise. Yet, deep-sea diving and snorkelling are undeniable highlights. Swim among the colourful fish groups along the coral reefs and admire an astonishing amount of marine life. Keep an eye out for sea dragons, blue-striped flagtail pipefish, pygmy sea horses, green sea turtles, giant napoleon wrasse, Indian lionfish, white-tip reef sharks and black-tip reef sharks. Birdwatchers will be eager to witness the emblematic Bird-of-Paradise soaring through the jungle, and the culturally curious can embark on a discovery of local village life.
The smallest of Raja Ampat’s ‘Four Kings’ in the West Papua Province of Indonesia, Batanta Island offers the full package island experience. Superb snorkelling and diving opportunities abound, with mesmerising bright fish, exquisite coral and marine animals. Enormous sea-grass pastures and lagoons create the ideal environment for dugongs, while the fertile jungle is filled with numerous exotic wildlife species such as blue-spotted tree monitor, Crocodile Monitor and wild boar. The island is particularly known for its variety of birds, with the rare Bruijn’s Brushturkey, Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise and Red Bird-of-Paradise making their homes here. Bathe in crystalline waterfalls, discover traditional villages, and hike through the diversity of trees to some breathtaking lookouts.
Mansuar, a long, strip-like Indonesian island off the north-western coast of West Papua, is part of the Raja Ampat Islands group. Boasting easy accessibility, gorgeous beaches, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities, this is a wonderful choice for a holiday destination. At Sauwandarek Village, a picturesque jetty and jaw-dropping coral reef home to abundant sea life make this a top choice for diving and snorkelling, offering the chance to see thousands of colourful fish as well as huge turtles, giant clams, and octopuses. On the opposite side of the island, Cape Kri provides another phenomenal diving spot where up to 374 fish species have been spotted, along with rays and sharks. Characterised by a virgin forest-covered limestone ridge, and home to an inland lake, the island is also great for hiking, photography, and birdwatching.
As previously described
